Luke 1:72

“To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, etc.] By “mercy” is meant salvation by Christ, which springs from the mercy of God; the promise of which was an instance of mercy to the Jewish fathers under the Old Testament, and also the performance of it; for they were saved by the grace of our Lord Jesus, even as we: his blood was shed for the remission of sins that were past, and for the redemption of transgressions under the first Testament: and to remember his holy covenant; which was made between him, and his Son from all eternity; and was, at various times, dispensed and manifested to the patriarchs, and eminent saints, as Adam, Noah, Abraham, etc. This is called an “holy” one; not only…”

“the mercy promised . . . his holy covenant . . .”

“To perform the mercy - To show the mercy promised. The expression in the “original” is, “To make mercy with our fathers” - that is, to show kindness to our fathers; and the propriety of it is founded on the fact that mercy to “children” is regarded as kindness to the “parent.” Blessing the “children” was blessing the “nation;” was fulfilling the promises made to the fathers, and “showing” that he regarded them in mercy. His holy covenant - The word “covenant” means compact or agreement. This is in use among people. It implies equality in the parties; freedom from constraint; freedom from previous obligation to do the thing now covenanted; and freedom from obligation to enter into a compact,…”

“perform: Luk 1:54, Luk 1:55; Gen 12:3, Gen 22:18, Gen 26:4, Gen 28:14; Psa 98:3; Act 3:25, Act 3:26; Rom 11:28; Heb 6:13-18 and: Gen 17:4-9; Lev 26:42; Psa 105:8-10, Psa 106:45, Psa 111:5; Eze 16:8, Eze 16:60; Gal 3:15-17 Luke 1:73”